Welcome to Madagascar – Inspiration for the 2005 Disney Film “Madagascar”
Biodiversity
Did you know – From an ecological perspective, Madagascar is unique and fantastic. About 10 percent of Madagascar’s territory is covered by national parks, nature reserves, wildlife refuges and other protected areas, where there are rare wild animals (some endangered animal species) and subtropical wilderness. Some areas have not changed much since independence. For these reasons, like Ecuador, Indonesia, Australia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), it has one of the richest eco-systems of the world’s developing countries. Finally the Island’s rich biodiversity was the inspiration for the 2005 Disney Film “Madagascar”.
Geography
Did you know – Madagascar, once the seat of an ancient kingdom, is located on the Indian Ocean, and is the world’s fourth-biggest island, after Greenland (Danish territory), Papua New-Guinea, and Borneo (Indonesia/Malaysia/Brunei Darussalam). The Island is covered with mountains, valleys, and rainforests (40{5ee11404e957289b2d225099b4f7d52b5549ec41b8e6ad1d623dc3506be9751a} of the land is forested); there are streams, volcanic lakes, and rivers. It also has mangroves, coastal forests, and coral reefs. On the world stage Madagascar is famous for its amazing ecology, from rare animals to unique plants. Antananarivo is the Island’s capital. Other cities include Toamasina and Autsirabe, as well as Mahajanga and Fianarantsoa.
Economics
Did you know – Vanilla is the mainstay of the economy, followed by coffee, seafood, chromite, and cloves, as well as seafood, and oil. On the other hand,the French-speaking nation has few mineral resources, but it is one of Africa’s largest producers of graphite. Curiously the United States of America imports large amounts of graphite from Madagascar.
Independence
Did you know – On June 26, 1960, Madagascar, after a 75-year French occupation, became a new independent country on the planet. Post 1960, it has strong links with Paris. In this context, the Island is culturally and economically part of the French-speaking world. In the meantime, From the 1990s on, Madagascar has had relatively peaceful years of democracy.
Tourism
Did you know – Inspired by the examples of Seychelles, Kenya and Mauritius, among other successful African countries, the Republic of Madagascar is trying to consolidate its tourism sector. It is a perfect place for the tourist seeking a new destination. The Island has immense tourism potential: one of the few countries with unspoilt environment. For example, the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve and the Atsinanana National Park, two of the Island’smost amazing spots, are home to lemurs, Madagascar’s national symbol, dugongs, tenrecs, mongooses, and aye-ayes, as well as a great variety of species of amphibians, reptiles and arachnids. In addition to being the home to many wildlife sanctuaries, the French-speaking nation offers other attractions: native traditions, fascinating history, scenic landscapes, unique culture, picturesque towns, and, of course, pristine beaches. Because of its isolation, most of its beaches are unspoiled. At the same time, the Island is an ideal destination for bird-watching. Certainly, it offers authentic experiences!
Madagascar & Miss Universe
Did you know – The Island made its first Miss Universe appearance in July 1961 when Miss Madagascar, Jacqueline Robertson, competed in America.
Language
Did you know – Malagasy and French are the official languages in the country. In addition, it has other native dialects.
United Nations
Did you know – During the latter half of the 20th century, on September 20, 1960, the Island joined the United Nations. At the same time, it became a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the most powerful organization in the Third World.
Nobel Prize in Literature
Did you know – France’s novelist Claude Simón, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature 1985, was born in Madagascar.
Woman & Power
Did you know – Queen Ranavalona I ruled Madagascar from 1828 to 1861. Historically, she is one of Africa’s well-known female leaders.
